League: Kiwis seek go-ahead to allow Russell Packer, Manu Ma'u into US for England test

Russell Packer was part of the Kiwis' 2017 Rugby League World Cup campaign. Photo / Getty Imgaes

Russell Packer and Manu Ma'u are clearly in the picture to pull on the Kiwis jersey in Denver this year, however they might not be allowed into the United States.

The two forwards have both served time in prison and strict U.S. laws could see them denied entry to the country if selected for the one-off test against England in June.

NRL.com reported the NZRL were set to send off the relevant documentation for the pair to be allowed into the country, and were aware of the difficulties some people with a criminal record face in gaining entry into the United States.

"We've obviously dealt with this in the past. We actually travelled through America in 2016 on our way to the UK and it wasn't an issue then," Kiwis team manager Nadene Conlon told NRL.com.

Manu Ma'u played for the Kiwis in the 2016 Six Nations. Photo / Getty Images.

"We've certainly got that plan in the pipeline and understand what needs to be done and it will be worked through in due course. Once we know the team and who we will be dealing with we can get all those things in place."

Packer was sentenced to two years in prison in 2014 after pleading guilty to assault occasioning actual bodily harm.

The conviction saw his lucrative four-year contract with the Newcastle Knights terminated before he could play a game for the club, having played with the NZ Warriors until the end of 2013. He was released in 2015 after spending 12 months behind bars.

He was given another chance in the NRL in 2016, signing with the St. George Illawarra Dragons where he spent two seasons before signing on with Wests Tigers for 2018.

Ma'u spent 22 months in prison from 2007 after being convicted of grievous bodily harm and wounding with intent to injure. Ma'u made his NRL debut in 2014, and his Kiwis debut in 2016.

The Parramatta Eels star second-rower was one of a number of eligible players to pledge allegiance to Tonga for the last year's Rugby League World Cup and may do so again for the mid-year international fixtures.

However, with the Kiwis working on making sure whether or not he can get into the States, it would appear the door was open for Ma'u to return.

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